Billings man accused of raping teenager

BILLINGS – A Billings man was officially charged Tuesday with raping a teenage girl, who he allegedly gave money to keep quiet about it.

Colton Daniel Edwards, 25, is charged in Yellowstone County Justice Court with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent and one count of sexual assault. He was not in custody Tuesday, but a $100,000 warrant was issued for his arrest.

Billings police received a report in August of a sex offense involving a teenage victim.

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Officers met with the mother of 14-year-old victim, who said her daughter had been sexually assaulted by Edwards.

The alleged assaults took place between November 2016 and March 2017.

The victim had reportedly disclosed the abuse to some of her friends, who then told the victim’s mother.

Officers interviewed the victim, who said the sexual contact with Edwards began with a kiss.

After kissing her, the girl said Edwards gave her $40 to keep quiet.

The girl told officers about a time Edwards had taken her to McDonald’s before taking her to his home to watch a movie.

During the movie, Edwards allegedly touched the girl under her clothes and then penetrated the victim.

The girl said she felt “stupid,” but that she did not want to get in trouble so she didn’t tell anyone what had happened.

The same scenario occurred another time, according to the girl.

The girl said Edwards later contacted her in a Snapchat message on her 15th birthday, telling her that people were “finding out” about their relationship and they couldn’t continue it.

The sexual contact ended at that point.

The victim’s sister told officers that she believed Edwards took advantage of the girl.

Investigators contacted Edwards by phone and he said he’d return the call after talking to his lawyer.

Edwards said he wanted to “get this off his plate,” according to court documents.